Days of Heaven
and again into Kanturk, where a firework in the sky was the signal for the start of the celebrations that are still ongoing.
The team were paraded to the Edel Quinn Hall, led by Newmarket Pipe Band and followed by the huge crowd that gathered to greet the team. When the crowd was settled in the hall the team, panel, and mentors were introduced to the delirious crowd who showed their appreciation for all the huge effort put in by this amazing group of young people and mentors.
The song ‘Kanturk My Home Town’ Observe the sons of Kanturk Marching towards Croke Park, Carve their names with pride, These fabled giants, Standing on the shoulders of ghostsThe faithful departed of St. Patrick’s, Kilroe
And the church graveyards
Who never imagined
They’d die to see the day
That the green and white shirt With the ancient boer’s head crest Would take its place
In the GAA’s cathedral of dreams.
From Churchtown, one April evening To Jones’ Road the following spring, Sixteen steps to heaven
Across both codes,
Sixteen days of heaven
Spread over 289 dawns;
And we were there in the stands Jealous of their youth,
(written by Peter O’Neill, father of team captain Lorcan O’Neill) was sung and then the crowd and players adjourned to their favourite hostelry to continue the historic events of the day.
The journey was a voyage of discovery that took all in Kanturk through a variety of emotions that may never again be repeated.
When the Kanturk hurlers entered the Croke Park sod prior to their All Ireland Intermediate Club final with St Patrick’s Ballyragget, a sea of The unexplored worlds opening up For this band of brothers, Of neighbours, of friends, of lovers, These immortals giving us times We can only but thank them for; We offer gratitude and marvel That they never showed fear or doubt On this magical odyssey,
While winning for themselves,
For the living, and for the dead.
All of us can now go to our eternal rest, To some lesser reward, Content that we were there
On that day of days
When a green and white shirt With the ancient boer’s head crest Sent the deathless winning point Arcing in to Hill 16
In the final minute
Of a wondrous voyage
To bring All-Ireland glory
Back to ‘Kanturk, My Hometown’
green and white colours greeted our heroes. Supporters travelled from the USA, Jersey, and from far and near to support our team in great numbers. For the record, Kanturk won 1-18 to 1-17.
With two Cork County Championships, A Munster and All Ireland title to boot, Kanturk GAA celebrated their success on Friday 16th February at the Killarney Oaks hotel at 7pm, and, surely, the win will add to the festive spirit in the town this Christmas.